TIGER WOODS returns to competition hosting this week's Genesis Open and drawn to play the opening two rounds on the famed Riviera Country Club course alongside Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas.

It will be the first time Woods and McIlroy have been grouped together in a PGA sanctioned event since the 2015 Masters when they played the final round at Augusta National.

In fact, Woods and McIlroy have played beside each other in six PGA Tour events since the opening two rounds of the 2012 Barclays Championship and, all up, they have been together for 11 rounds in those six events.

Of course, Woods and McIlroy strengthened their relationship going head-to-head on a few occasions in China.

Litte wonder, Woods speaks highly of McIlroy.

"He's just a great kid, he really is. He's got a heart of gold," said Woods.